Midfielder Akpan has Royals blood these days, but the 21-year-old is one of a select group of players to have come through the Toffees academy at Goodison Park whilst supporting the arch-enemy over the road.

But with new club Reading desperate for points in their relegation battle, Akpan insists he is fully focused on helping Brian McDermott’s men survive the drop.

He said: “My dad is a Liverpool fan, but I’m staying clear of that subject. My dad just said, ‘Don’t get sent off’.

“I had a trial at Liverpool and I didn’t end up going in the end. My dad was a bit disappointed, but he’s proud of me and has always been supportive.

“I think because of a lot of my ties with Everton quite a few of my family changed over. There are two big clubs in Liverpool and I enjoyed my time at Everton.

“I was there from the age of eight and grew up at the club – it will be exciting going back.”

Akpan left Goodison in 2011 and dropped into League Two with Crawley before moving back up the divisions when he signed for Reading in January.

“It was hard leaving Everton, but it taught me a lot in the lower leagues, showing me the ugly side of the game,” he said.

“A lot of young players who stay around the big clubs don’t get that. I think I’m now a stronger player and person.

“My ambition at the beginning of the season was to get promoted with Crawley, or be playing in the Championship come January, or at the end of the season.

“It was a shock that the Premier League came calling so soon but I’m taking it in my stride.”

Akpan’s split loyalties don’t end at club level – he is eligible for both England and African Nations Cup winners Nigeria – where both his parents are from.

The midfielder is also driven on every day for more accolades following his brief taste of the big time with Everton in 2009, when he made his only appearance.

He said: “I came on in a Europa League game. It was a great experience and honour, but it was the only time I played for them.

“It made me want to work harder at the top level and I’ve got that shirt framed.”

And his manager McDermott, who will be without banned Pavel Pogrebnyak, striker Jason Roberts and goalkeeper Alex ­McCarthy, is delighted with the impact Akpan has made at the Madejski Stadium.

He said: “He’s 6ft 1ins, he can run, jump, pass and score – there’s not much more you need as a midfielder.”Royals star ready for Goodison return